As I emerge from the sleek cockpit of the stealth jet fighter, I can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment wash over me. "Alright, that's the last one," I announce, my voice filled with a mixture of satisfaction and exhaustion. This software adjustment was no small feat, but I knew it was necessary in order to make the jet more predictable with its powerful engines.
But even with the software adjustments, I have no doubt that our skilled, mute air force veteran of a pilot will be able to handle this jet with ease. With multiple kills under his belt from training exercises alone, including taking down an F-22 with an F-16, there's no question that he has the expertise and prowess to navigate this jet to its full potential.
After an exhaustive journey that spanned two decades, we are finally at the end of the road. It's been a long and often tumultuous journey, but we have finally reached the moment that we have all been waiting for - the unveiling of the Advanced Tactical Air Dominance program's completed, working prototype.
As I make my way down the hangar, one of my coworkers falls into step beside me. "Heading home?" he asks, his voice full of excitement.
"Yeah, I can't be late for the first flight of this jet. It's going to be a historic moment for our company," I reply, my heart racing with anticipation. "What do you think will happen when we unveil it?"
"Well, boss, if you ask me, it'll be like when you joined, but even more intense," he replies, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "In all the time I've worked here, I've never seen anyone as enthusiastic about weapon systems as you. You're like my grandchild on Christmas morning, waiting to see what Santa brought. Maybe it's just your upbringing," he adds with a chuckle.
I can't help but smile at his words. We've always been passionate about the work we do here, and I know that the years of hard work and dedication will all be worth it when we finally unveil this incredible piece of technology to the public. It's going to be a moment to remember, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for the United States Air Force.
While other girls were busy with TikTok in high school, I was studying and reading about weapon systems. I was so passionate about it that I even had a blueprint of an F-15E fighter jet in my bedroom while others had pictures of boy bands. I used to refer to Lockheed Martin as "Lockheed Mart," the go-to source for all weapon system needs.
As I got older, I pursued engineering and worked in the firearm and aerospace industries. Currently, I'm working on a semi-secret project that aims to reassert the dominance of the military-industrial complex in the face of Chinese stealth fighter threats.
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I hope this project will be as successful as the F-15 to the panic that the Mig-25 created back in the cold war, but we won't know until someone lands a J-45 in Taiwan. Until then, we'll do our best to counter the stealth threat. The public tends to turn a blind eye, just like when the Mig-25 was unveiled and there were fears of the U.S. Air Force losing strategic value and air superiority.
As I approach my older co-worker, I can't help but notice the signs of his hard work and dedication etched onto his face. His white hair, tired eyes, and the lines on his face all speak to the countless late nights he has spent fixing issues with the airframe. He could easily be my father if my parents had me in their twenties.
"I agree, boss," he replies, his voice tired but sincere. "No one is as dedicated as you."
I smile and reach for a coffee mug that sits atop the generator. "I'm just a regular person, nothing more, nothing less," I say, offering him the mug. "You look tired. Maybe this will help."
He gratefully accepts the coffee and takes a sip before responding. "Thanks, I was up all night with my new granddaughter."
I nod and shrug. "That's why I'm not married yet. Plus, most people just see me as an old hag with a strange love for military hardware. But I don't mind. I love what I do, and that's all that matters."
Stepping out of the hangar together, we are met by the imposing presence of two private security contractors standing guard at the door. As the vice director of this project, I am familiar with their faces, but to an outsider, they could easily be mistaken for air force personnel.
I have a deep appreciation for the air force, having served in its ranks before tragedy struck. While serving in Libya, an IED explosion cost me both my feet. Despite being unable to return to active duty, I am grateful that our military equipment is helping to keep my fellow servicemen safe.
As we walk across the air base, my friend turns to me and asks, "Hey, do you want to come over for Thanksgiving dinner?"
"No, thanks," I reply, continuing on my way.
Suddenly, a strong force hits me from the side and throws me off the road. My head hits the curb and pain shoots through my chest. It's hard to breathe and I can't feel my fingers. What just happened? Who hit me?
As I lay on the ground, my body oozing with dark fluid, I realize that it is my own blood seeping onto the asphalt. Suddenly, the image of a JLTV, a heavy military armored vehicle, comes into focus. I try to speak, but my muscles feel heavy and painful, and my vision blurs.
A soldier emerges from the JLTV, followed by another shouting soldier who approaches from the hangar. "AIRMAN, WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO?"
The old man races towards me, yelling for a medic. "Vice-director. Hey, are you okay? We need a medic!!!"
As I struggle to move my limbs, I know that I am going to die here, unable to speak or even lift a hand. I can't believe this is how my life will end - struck down by a reckless airman who just obtained his driving license, in the midst of an air force base.
Gradually, my eyes close and my hearing fades away as I succumb to my injuries.